The Deserted Yacht Part 8

"We were in the cabin after that."

"Yes, but we didn't really look around much. We were too frightened. And naturally, we never dreamed that he had left a note behind."

Madge was troubled by another thought which she decided not to confide to her chum, lest it worry her unnecessarily. It occurred to her that the kidnappers were in close touch with the situation aboard the yacht, else they could not have known of Enid's release. The note obviously had been addressed to her, though her name had not been mentioned.

"Someone is keeping close watch here," she reflected uncomfortably.

"Likely enough, our every action is known."

Enid broke in upon her thoughts to suggest that they both return to Mr.

Burnett's cabin, as she was curious to see exactly where the note had been found. They spent perhaps fifteen minutes in the room, finding no further evidence of the midnight prowler.

"I'll ask the sailors if they permitted any stranger on deck while we were gone this morning," Enid announced, "though I'm confident the note was brought here last night."

She questioned the men in turn, only to learn that Rex had been the sole person to come aboard.

"I hope he comes back before evening," Enid said anxiously. "If he can't take me to my home at Bay City, I must find another means of getting there."

"You're still determined to go through with it?" Madge asked.

"Oh, yes, it's the only way of saving Father."

Madge started to speak, then waited as one of the sailors approached. He paused to address Enid.

"I beg your pardon, Miss Burnett. While I was swabbin' down the deck, I found this here doodad. I thought maybe it belonged to you."

He dropped a tiny trinket into her hand and turned away.

"It doesn't belong to me," Enid said. "Have you lost anything, Madge?"

"Why, no, what is it?"

Enid extended the palm of her hand upon which lay a small jade pin.

"I think I've seen that before, or one just like it," Madge said, a queer note in her voice. "Mind if I borrow it for a little while? I may be able to find the owner, and if I do, I'll promise interesting developments!"

CHAPTER IX A Jade Pin

"You're welcome to the pin," Enid declared readily, turning it over to her chum. "It's a curious piece of work. To whom do you think it belongs?"

"Unless I'm very sadly mistaken, I saw a pin like that the day I arrived at Cheltham Bay," Madge responded. "The boatman who brought me out here was wearing it."

Enid could not resist a smile.

"You're bound to connect that poor man with the kidnapping, aren't you, Madge? I'm sure the pin couldn't have been the same. I'm not an expert on stones but this looks expensive to me. What you saw must have been an imitation."

"Possibly," Madge returned, a trifle nettled. "Just the same, if you don't mind, I'd like to keep it for a few days."

"Keep it as long as you like, only I don't see how you hope to trace the owner. If you show it to that boatman he'll claim it whether he's the owner or not."

"I know better than to do that," Madge smiled. "I have another scheme in mind."

Before she could explain, they heard a loud hail from windward and turned to see Rex coming toward the yacht in his motor boat. They returned the greeting and a few minutes later he climbed aboard.

"Any news?" Enid inquired hopefully.

Rex shook his head regretfully.

"That's what I came to ask you. I can only stop a minute because I must get back."

The girls related all that had befallen since they had last seen him and showed him the note which had been received from the kidnappers.

"Of course you've told the police about this?" he demanded.

"No, I don't dare," Enid explained. "I'm certain that if the authorities interfere in any way, my father will be made to suffer. I intend to turn over the Zudi Drum Bowl as they request."

"But Enid-"

"No, please don't try to make me go against my judgment. Capture of the kidnappers is a secondary question with me. My only purpose is to secure Father's release."

Madge sent Rex a glance which warned him that he would only upset Enid by arguing further with her. Reluctantly, he permitted the subject to drop.

"The Zudi Drum is at our summer home in Bay City," Enid went on. "I must get there somehow. I was wondering if-"

"Let me take you," Rex broke in. "We can make the trip in a few hours with the amphibian."

"Oh, I was hoping you'd suggest it! When can we start?"

"I can't go today because my plane is having a few minor repairs made.

How about tomorrow?"

Enid instantly agreed and it was decided that the three should start after breakfast the following day. Soon after final plans had been made, Rex announced that he must hurry back to the mainland.

"Mind if I ride along?" Madge asked quickly. "I haven't written a word to my aunt or uncle since I left Loon Lake, and I think I'll send them a telegram telling them I arrived safely."

Rex promptly extended a hearty invitation and Madge went to the cabin for her hat. Before going back on deck she carefully placed the jade pin in her purse.

Enid insisted that she was too tired to make another trip to the city, and Madge did not urge her. While she would have greatly enjoyed her chum's companions.h.i.+p, she was looking forward to a private talk with Rex.

Then too, she had a special mission in Cheltham Bay which she felt she could attend to much better alone.

Rex helped her into the motor boat and Enid watched until they were well away from the yacht. Before Madge could bring up the subject which was foremost in her mind, Rex spoke.

"I think Enid is making a serious mistake not to tell the police about that note. We can't let her go to Cedar Point alone. Why, anything might happen to her."

"We must prevent it if we can," Madge returned quietly. "But just how can it be managed?"